Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/168

 off, the black year only knows where. Oh, if only they would bury us both together and done, so that once and for all there would be an end to my misfortunes with that drunk. . . (She begins to cry.)

GERSON A drunk do you say, Peseh? No! That’s a lie? A Jew, I tell you, is not a drunk! True, it’s the fault of my comrades—the men I work with. Seinwell is to blame. He wanted to cheer me up—wanted me to forget the two- ruble fine, so he ordered whiskey. After that Chaim tried to cheer me and ordered beer. Well, then again beer. Then Moses, with whiskey. . . Nothing more, I assure you! (Whimsically) But a Jewish head can’t stand much, so my head began to turn, just as it does at the Rejoicing of the Law, excuse the comparison! (He bursts out in song.) He, who helps the poor, Will help us, too...

PESEH Shut up! You'll wake up the children!

GERSON (louder siill) Never mind, Peseh, just for that we'll have a son-in-law, a sober one! Neither beer nor whiskey does our David take into his mouth!

PESEH (who has not noticed David’s presence, scolds as she rocks the cradle energetically) What are you talking about! Shut your mouth! David’s in his room. He’ll hear you and it will be a shame and a disgrace! You drunk!